Yothu Yindi

Treaty

Yothu Yindi was an Austalian rock group with indigenous and white members.

Yothu Yindi performed a mix of aboriginal, pop, and rock songs. The group formed in 1986, when a white rock band merged with an aboriginal folk outfit. The band's aboriginal members hailed from Yolngu, in the Northern Territory of Australia. The song featured here was released in 1988. Its initial debut was unremarkable, but it became a national hit when, in 1991, Filthy Lucre recorded a popular remix of the song.

Lyrics

Well I heard it on the radio
And I saw it on the television
Back in 1988
All those talking politicians
Words are easy, words are cheap
Much cheaper than our priceless land
But promises can disappear
Just like writing in the sand
Treaty Yeh Treaty Now
Treaty Yeh Treaty Now
Nhima Djatpangarri nhima walangwalang -
Nhe Djatpayatpa nhima gaya nhe-
Matjini.... Yakarray - nhe Djat'pa nhe walang - Gumurrtijararrk Gutjuk -
This land was never given up
This land was never bought and sold
The planting of the Union Jack
Never changed our law at all
Now two rivers run their course
Separated for so long
I'm dreaming of a brighter day
When the waters will be one
Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Treaty Now
Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Traty Now
Nhima djatpa nhe walang
gumurrtjararrk yawirriny Nhe gaya nhe matjini
Gaya nhe matjini Gaya gaya nhe gaya nhe
Matjini walangwalang Nhema djatpa nhe walang - Nhe gumurrtjarrk nhe ya-
Promises - Disappear - Priceless land - Destiny -
Well I heard it on the Radio - And I saw it on the Television
But promises can be broken Just like writing in the sand
Treaty Yeh
Treaty Now ....